Russian drivers stuck for days in traffic jam

Russian officials struggled on Sunday to contain a monster highway traffic jam sparked by heavy snowfall that left many drivers stuck for days, AFP reports.

The congestion began on Friday on the 700-kilometre (435-mile) highway connecting the capital Moscow with Russia's second largest city of Saint Petersburg.

"We've only done one kilometre today," driver Oleg Bachilov told state television channel Rossiya 24 by telephone, adding that he was cold and his truck hadn't moved in five hours.

Another driver told the RIA Novosti news agency that many people had been stuck for three days and "There's no food, fuel is running out", adding that those on the road weren't seeing any government aid.

But the emergency situations ministry said in a statement that warm food and medical aid was being made available, and drivers could go to certain spots to warm up.

On Sunday, the emergency situations minister flew over the area by helicopter to monitor the help being offered, and the transport minister held talks with regional officials.